BREAKING NEWS

» Take that, MAHA: US judge upends Kennedy's overhaul of childhood vaccine policies | Reuters

» A win for telework: Arbitrator orders restoration of telework at Social Security | Government Executive

» An update on the planned detention facility we mentioned last week: Social Circle officials cut off water to site of planned Georgia ICE detention "mega-center" | CBS News

» Skip the “raw charcuterie board.” CDC Investigating E. coli Infections Linked to Cheddar Cheese Sold by Raw Farm LLC | MarketWatch

» CDC has a new AI strategy: CDC releases AI strategy, guidance with eye toward ‘agentic’ uses | FedScoop

» So. Much. New. Merch. Head to the FBF merch store to check it out. In honor of our one-year anniversary, you can get 10% off FBF merch with the code WTAF through tomorrow, March 19.

Welcome to the 53rd issue of Fired But Fighting, a newsletter for illegally terminated, improperly RIF’d, chaotically reinstated, and current HHS staff. Read on for judicial and advocacy updates, links to media coverage, calls to action, tips, and resources.

Please consider supporting us by making a donation, grabbing some FBF merch (www.firedbutfighting.org/shop), or signing up to volunteer. You can also check out the FBF Talent Marketplace to support a fired fed.

New Fired But Fighting merch — *Fresh new Fired But Fighting merch*

Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter-library to read this and previous issues of the newsletter on the web.

LEGAL UPDATES

» The order to certify the MSPB class action appeal for HHS probationary employees has been published on the MSPB website. If you meet the class definition, you will become part of the class and be bound by any decision in the appeal unless you opt out by filing your own individual appeal by April 13. A link to the order, as well as the class definition, are included in the legal update. This week's update also includes information on applying for federal jobs via RPL/CTAP, the status of MSPB appeals of the 4/1 RIF, Schedule Policy/Career, and lawsuits challenging the federal government RIFs.

» Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» Comment needed: OPM proposes a plan to remove a current ban on a “forced distribution” of federal employee performance evaluations. If finalized, this rule will limit how many employees can be ranked as high performers in annual reviews. Read more and comment before March 26.

» Support Grandparents for Vaccines

Grandparents for Vaccines (GFV) was founded by a volunteer group of grandparents who remember the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases. The organization works to ensure no grandchild in the United States has to suffer from these terrible illnesses. Grandparents for Vaccines is a storytelling movement that encourages America’s 67 million grandparents to share their lived experiences with family and friends, turning memories into messages, delivered with love. Grandparents, parents, and allies are all welcome to join the movement. Here’s how:

Visit the GFV webpage to learn more about the organization, find resources, and join the thousands of others who want to be a voice for change.
Follow GFV on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, YouTube, and TikTok. Like and share GFV posts on your own social media accounts, and encourage your followers to do the same.
You’ll find lots of videos of people sharing their emotional, often deeply moving, personal experiences on the GFV YouTube channel. Add your story to the growing collection. Visit the “Share Your Story” page on the GFV website for more information.

» In his role as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought is the central architect driving the destruction of your government. Sign this petition urging his impeachment.

» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer.

EVENTS

**Pet Therapy**

**» April 1:** L2883 and Happy Tails Pet Therapy are bringing you nine adorable therapy dogs. This event will be held at The Hatchery, located at Emory Point across from Roybal campus. Stop by any time from 12 pm to 2 pm. Current and former CDC employees are both welcome to attend. As this is a non-CDC event, current CDC employees are strongly encouraged to use their lunch break or take leave.

WEEKLY 27 UNIHTED

» Every Saturday: Vigil commemorating the lives and knowledge lost through NIH cuts. At 10:00 am on March 28th, 27 UNIHTED and NIH Vigils will host a NO SHADOW KINGS rally to defend medical research from Russell Vought, the "Shadow King" on March 28th. We will also have a food drive - bring as much as you can.

» **Fed Workers Coffee Hour**

Every Thursday of each month through October 2026. Download the flyer.

» Please follow and share 27 uNIHted’s new Instagram account.

UNION CORNER

» Please fill out our CDC RA and EEO Process Survey to update the L2883 team on the status of your RA and EEO complaints.

» If you have RA-specific questions or would like to help us support your colleagues in the disabilities community, please email us at ra@afge2883ga.org.

» If you’re not already a member, sign up here to join the fight now. As a reminder, all job series (including supervisors) are eligible to join. The only exception is commissioned corps officers. https://join.afge.org/L2883

CDC MUTUAL AID

» From Gratitude to Action: Thanks to the generosity of our partners and donors, the CDC Mutual Aid Fund has already reached 35% of our $75,000 goal for 2026. Some families remain on hold, waiting for help with groceries, rent, and medical bills, and every dollar brings us closer to meeting that need. As David, one of our recipients, put it: "Sticking together and looking out for one another is the best near-term strategy we have, and the mutual aid fund is an excellent example of public health solidarity." Your gift is tax-deductible, and more than 99 cents of every dollar goes directly to a fired CDC worker in need. Together, we can reach every family still waiting. Make a donation today.

» Check out our store: Remember that every purchase directly supports our mission and helps us continue making a difference. https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me/product/cdc-mutual-aid-solidarity-not-charity-patch

» Follow CDC Mutual Aid Network on Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdc-mutual-aid-network

https://bsky.app/profile/cdcmutualaid.bsky.social

THE WEEKLY NEEDLE

» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for all things health and medicine. Trust us, because we don’t trust ourselves. Enjoy our top story from last week:

» New CDC Guidance on Engaging with Outside Institutions Requires Policy Review Before Make-Out Session Can Begin: New CDC guidance from IOD to staff requires “any and all make-out sessions" receive a policy review, with staff needing to submit details on “proposed individuals to attend, how the make-out session fits into making administration priorities, and how many hunky boys will be in attendance”.

» Please consider becoming a subscriber by following the link here. Interested in contributing? Email us at theweeklyneedle@proton.me.

SPOON OF THE WEEK

» This week, we are recognizing Spoons who push back against arbitrary workforce policies and support one another with uplifting messages and humor.

» A meeting was recently held at CDC to discuss the ill-conceived implementation of the updated performance rating system for federal workers. Changes include limits on the number of employees who can receive top ratings (fours and fives), but not for those below that threshold; unclear requirements & timelines for new performance standards; and the insinuation that employees’ current ratings were “overly inflated”.

» In the meeting (where attendees were conveniently unable to unmute), many employees expressed their confusion and disagreement in the chat, with statements that details should have been planned before rollout and that scores are high because people care about the mission. One attendee described the meeting as a lost hour of life due to the presenter’s patronizing attitude and confusing information.

» To submit a spoon for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.

SELF CARE

» In this week’s issue of The Public Health Workforce is Not Okay, a public health professional from CDC shares a poem in support of queer federal workers.

» Ever wondered which microbe matches your state? Take a look at this unofficial list.

» The first Atlanta Streets Alive of 2026 takes place this Sunday, March 22. This monthly event temporarily closes streets for constituents to bike, walk, skate, dance, and play. It's free and open to the public, turning the street into a park that connects our city. Read more here.

FIRED BUT FIGHTING IN THE NEWS

» March 13: After firings, funding cuts, and a shooting, can a demoralized CDC workforce continue? | NPR

» March 13: After a year of CDC cuts and chaos, Atlanta feels the impacts | WABE

Issue 53